Abbott Recalls Some Similac Formulas

The health care company Abbott says about 5 million containers of its Similac-brand powdered infant formulas—which includes Isomil and Go & Grow—are being recalled because of possible contamination with insect pieces or larvae.

The voluntary recall affects milk- and soy-based formulas distributed in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and some Caribbean nations. At least 12 of the recalled products were provided to families through the federal government’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) health and nutrition program.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reassuring caregivers and families whose babies may have consumed recalled products that drinking the formula will not cause long-term health problems.

"FDA understands that this kind of contamination is a great concern to parents and caregivers," says FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., "especially in a product they rely on to nourish their infants. To date, FDA has not received any consumer reports of illness associated with the recalled formula."

Insect pieces in the formula could irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing babies to have an upset stomach or refuse food, FDA experts say. Parents should consult a doctor if symptoms persist for more than a few days.

FDA is encouraging consumers to check lot numbers on the bottom of formula containers against those being recalled. Anyone who has a recalled container should stop using it immediately and return it to the manufacturer for a full refund.

Abbott says its liquid formulas are not affected by the recall. Additional information is available at www.abbott.com.

The possibility of contamination was discovered during an internal quality review conducted earlier this month at Abbott’s Sturgis, Mich., plant. The review found that some Similac powdered formulas could contain pieces of a common type of warehouse beetle, the company said in a statement.

If you believe your baby might have become ill from drinking the recalled formula, report the problem to FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program: